District Attorney’s “Legal Lives” Program Culminates in Mock-Trial Competition, Trip to Washington

Innovative 10-Week Program Introduces Criminal Justice System
to Elementary School Classrooms

Atlanta—“Project Legal Lives,” Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard’s innovative educational program that introduces the criminal justice system into eight City of Atlanta elementary schools (Frederick Wilson Benteen, Mary McLeod Bethune, William M. Finch, Joseph Humphries, M. Agnes Jones, Peyton Forest, Daniel H. Stanton, and Venetian Hills), culminates in a sure-to-be dramatic mock-trial competition TOMORROW, Thursday, 12 May, beginning at 10 a.m. in the Fulton County Courthouse. Students assume the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, defendants, witnesses, victims, and jurors in the competition that simulates the trial of an armed-robbery case. District Attorney staff-members judge the competition and will award trophies for the best overall performance and a variety of other achievements. Then, on 2 June, 25 students from the eight schools participating in “Legal Lives” will travel to Washington, D.C., for four days to tour the heart of the nation’s criminal justice system. “We are so proud of the students involved in this year’s ‘Legal Lives’ program as they have all performed so admirably throughout the course,” says Mr. Howard. “This trip to Washington for our top performers is certainly well-deserved and is always so meaningful to the children.”

“Legal Lives”—a 10-week course that teaches children about the law, the legal system, and the fundamental principles and values upon which this system is based—seeks to prevent juvenile delinquency by instilling in students a basic respect for the law and through the development of critical and analytical skills. “Legal Lives” also provides role models for students by placing assistant district attorneys in the classroom to teach the course, one of the most appealing aspects of the program for many educators.

The project’s curriculum is designed specifically to mirror Georgia law. Fulton County assistant district attorneys conduct the weekly sessions during fifth-grade social studies classes. Students are presented with a different factual, legal scenario and are encouraged to take on the roles of prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, or witnesses. Through this interactive role-playing and discussion, students learn about all aspects of the legal system and are guided through the process of problem resolution. Lessons examine relevant case materials related to drug possession, shoplifting, gun possession, and violence. Classroom activities help to develop students’ analytical, listening, and public-speaking skills. Students are also given homework assignments to be completed from one lesson to the next. Each year, the course culminates in a mock-trial competition and a trip to the nation’s capital for the most outstanding students.

“Legal Lives” was created in 1990 by the Brooklyn (Kings County) District Attorney’s Office in New York City in response to the increase in drug and bias-related crimes. A version of this program was first implemented in 1993 by then-Solicitor General Paul Howard at Atlanta’s Dean Rusk Elementary School. Nationally, “Legal Lives” is replicated by district attorneys’ offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Indianapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, and several other cities.

CONTACT: Erik Friedly, 404.224.0560 (office); 770.583.6069 (pager); erik.friedly@co.fulton.ga.us